3 Tips For Preparing To Move In An Elderly Parent
Moving an aging parent into your home can be a difficult transition for both of you. For your parent, the change could be particularly challenging because of the loss of his or her independence. To help your parent with the transition, it is important that you prepare ahead of his or her move. Here are some tips to help with your preparations.
Assess Your Parent's Medical Needs
If your parent has health problems, you need to determine what level of help he or she needs. Unless you plan to be a full-time caregiver for your parent, you will need to call in professionals to assist you. In-home professionals offer a range of services, but you need to know which ones your parent needs.
Start your evaluation of your parent's medical needs by talking to his or her doctor. The doctor can help you understand what physical challenges your parent has and what in-home treatments are needed. In addition to talking to the doctor, talk to your parent. There could be some challenges of which his or her doctor is not aware.
Once you know what your parent's needs are, contact an in-home care agency. The agency can review your parent's needs and help determine which in-home professionals are needed. They can also work with you to set a schedule for providing those services.
Make Changes to Your Home
Your parent's physical challenges can make it more difficult to perform daily living task and navigate through the home. Armed with your knowledge about your parent's limitations, take the time to make your home friendlier for him or her.
For instance, if your parent has problems with stability, moving him or her into an upstairs bedroom is not a good idea. Setup a bedroom downstairs near an easily accessible bathroom. You can also place railings in the bathroom and around other areas of the home to provide your parent with a safer option for navigating throughout the home.
Talk to Family
Even though your parent is moving in with you, you do not have to be the only caregiver. Ask other family members to chip in with caring for your parent.
An easy way to ensure that everyone is contributing fairly is to create a schedule. Family members can assist with various activities, including taking your parent to doctor's appointments. The more people involved, the less likely it is that you will suffer from caregiver burnout. For more information, contact companies like Neighbors Home Care Services.
